Quantitative Analytics

Quantitative analytics professionals, or 'quants' are the highly paid mathematical wizards of the financial world.

There are a variety of quant roles, but most involve creating financial theories, computer models, valuation techniques and trading programs.

Quant Career Opportunities

One of the most sought after quant positions is as a quant trader. Quant traders may work for a bank, or for a quantitative hedge fund. Their role is to work on algorithms which search for higher than average returns.

Successful quant traders are among the most highly paid financial professionals, and the role is know to be an extremely demanding but lucrative one. Quant traders typically have an applied mathematics or artificial intelligence background.

Quant researchers, on the other hand, usually have a pure mathematics background. Researchers work on the creation of models which will be used by an analyst or a developer.

Quant analysts, sometimes also called financial engineers, are responsible for working out the right pricing for complex financial products, including derivatives.

A quant developer will have a highly advanced knowledge of C++ and similar languages, and will work on the pricing libraries and infrastructure used by traders and other quants.

Qualifications Required

It's rare for a successful quant candidate to have less than a PhD in mathematics or physics. Occasionally, a Masters degree may be sufficient, if allied with extensive relevant experience, but the recruitment process for quants is notoriously demanding.

Many quant applicants obtain the Certificate in Quantitative Finance (CQF) designed by Dr Paul Wilmott.

Personal Skills Needed

Quant work is highly focused, and requires staying power, concentration and advanced theoretical knowledge. Good communication skills are also important, as many other parts of the financial system depend on the work done by quants.